Anytime Fitness charts course for Antarctica

Having just announced the opening of its 4,000th gym worldwide, Anytime Fitness is now eyeing even cooler goals

Much like the great explorers of the world, franchises should always have their spy glasses firmly fixed at the opportunities across the horizon. And it seems as if Anytime Fitness, the fitness franchise, has taken this advice quite literally. The company now plans to plant its flag in ice and become the first ever franchise to operate in all seven continents.

Having just announced the opening of its latest gym in Shanghai on Friday March 16, Anytime Fitness fitness is about to break new ground by becoming the second fastest franchisee to open 4,000 locations around the globe. While the fitness chain managed this impressive feat in just over 16 years, it was still beaten by Subway that managed the same in 15.

However, that doesn’t mean Anytime Fitness has stopped planning to accomplish a world first. In fact, not only is the franchise in the final stages of negotiations to open 75 clubs in Morocco over the next decade but Chuck Runyon, CEO and co-founder of Anytime Fitness, has also just unveiled plans to pioneer franchising on in Antartica.

Commenting on the plans, he said: “We’ve already begun exploring options for Antarctica. It’s going to happen – and sooner than you might think. We'll soon have 4,000 gyms open in more than 30 countries on all seven continents. Each of those gyms supports a small community of like-minded individuals who are determined to enjoy healthier, happier and more active lifestyles."

While certainly a chance for publicity, Anytime Fitness’ pioneering move speaks volumes about how ambitious the company’s leadership is to grow the company. There’s snow way this can fail.

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About the Author

With a keen eye for politics as editorial assistant, Angus can often be found scanning the horizon for the next big waves crashing against business shores – which makes up the time when he's not setting sail at Radio Caroline, the former pirate station, on weekends. Follow him on Twitter @Angus_Shaw for his latest cognition